Comments on: Early admission…trick or treat? http://notjustadmissions.com/2009/10/29/early-admission-trick-or-treat/ Insider information on college admissions, with a sarcastic flavor, with a smidge of Mason propaganda Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:48:50 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Bob Bessette http://notjustadmissions.com/2009/10/29/early-admission-trick-or-treat/#comment-2761 Bob Bessette Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:42:07 +0000 http://notjustadmissions.com/?p=733#comment-2761 Hi, Early decision might be a great option for someone without any money worries. They know where they want to go and they don't have to worry about weighing financial aid packages. We know of someone who did this at Wesleyan and she is really enjoying it there. She applied to one school, knew where she was going early and it all worked out for her. It depends on your circumstances. Best, Bob Hi,
Early decision might be a great option for someone without any money worries. They know where they want to go and they don’t have to worry about weighing financial aid packages. We know of someone who did this at Wesleyan and she is really enjoying it there. She applied to one school, knew where she was going early and it all worked out for her. It depends on your circumstances.

Best,
Bob

]]> By: Bobby http://notjustadmissions.com/2009/10/29/early-admission-trick-or-treat/#comment-2760 Bobby Mon, 02 Nov 2009 01:43:52 +0000 http://notjustadmissions.com/?p=733#comment-2760 I can completely understand your frustration. On the outside it looks like a gift all wrapped up in fancy packaging. It is exiting to open up and even to turn it around and around to admire it. But take it for a test run and you see all the flaws. It truly is a lesson in reading the fine print. Early admission can have some serious drawbacks. I can completely understand your frustration. On the outside it looks like a gift all wrapped up in fancy packaging. It is exiting to open up and even to turn it around and around to admire it. But take it for a test run and you see all the flaws. It truly is a lesson in reading the fine print. Early admission can have some serious drawbacks.

]]> By: deanflagel http://notjustadmissions.com/2009/10/29/early-admission-trick-or-treat/#comment-2759 deanflagel Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:16:55 +0000 http://notjustadmissions.com/?p=733#comment-2759 Great question. Most universities claim that their early processes are the same as their regular decisions, but that's usually hooey (or perhaps malarkey). The reality is that applying early is generally considered to be a strong demonstration of interest, so tends to weigh at least to come extent in an applicants favor when decisions are made. That being said, the difference is rarely very large, and on rare instances it can even work the other way. In that scenario, University 'A' reviews their early applicants using some standard they set based on an assumption about the number of total applications they would receive that year, and the likely qualifications of those applicants. Unfortunately, University 'A' comes to find out, after regular admission deadlines, that they have way fewer applicants, far lower profile applicants, or both fewer and less qualified applicants than they anticipated. As a result, Univeristy 'A' rapidly shifts gears and uses a more flexible (also known as, "lower") admission standard for regular applicants than the school used for early applicants. Also, the Dean of Admissions generally starts his or her job search. So, for the most part early is in your favor. As with many parts of the admissions process, however, it's nearly impossible to predict with any certainty. Be seeing you! Great question. Most universities claim that their early processes are the same as their regular decisions, but that’s usually hooey (or perhaps malarkey). The reality is that applying early is generally considered to be a strong demonstration of interest, so tends to weigh at least to come extent in an applicants favor when decisions are made. That being said, the difference is rarely very large, and on rare instances it can even work the other way. In that scenario, University ‘A’ reviews their early applicants using some standard they set based on an assumption about the number of total applications they would receive that year, and the likely qualifications of those applicants. Unfortunately, University ‘A’ comes to find out, after regular admission deadlines, that they have way fewer applicants, far lower profile applicants, or both fewer and less qualified applicants than they anticipated. As a result, Univeristy ‘A’ rapidly shifts gears and uses a more flexible (also known as, “lower”) admission standard for regular applicants than the school used for early applicants. Also, the Dean of Admissions generally starts his or her job search.
So, for the most part early is in your favor. As with many parts of the admissions process, however, it’s nearly impossible to predict with any certainty. Be seeing you!

]]> By: Prospective http://notjustadmissions.com/2009/10/29/early-admission-trick-or-treat/#comment-2757 Prospective Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:32:47 +0000 http://notjustadmissions.com/?p=733#comment-2757 Generally speaking, is the Mason early action program more competitive or less competitive than regular decision? And as far as regular decision goes at Mason, I know the deadline for being considered for scholarships is December 1st. Would you recommend applying as soon as one can, say, the first week of November? Generally speaking, is the Mason early action program more competitive or less competitive than regular decision?

And as far as regular decision goes at Mason, I know the deadline for being considered for scholarships is December 1st. Would you recommend applying as soon as one can, say, the first week of November?

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